Half of exports, to Italy and Kosovo/ Mineral fuels accounted for about 17% of the total in January-March
Albanian exports in the first three months of the year continue to remain concentrated in almost the same markets and categories of goods, with Italy clearly dominating as the main trading partner, while the product structure is mainly based on a few limited groups.
According to data for the period January-March 2026, exports reached 90.3 billion lek, with a slight increase of 1%, compared to the same period a year earlier, signaling a stable performance, but with a low rate of expansion.
In terms of markets, Italy continues to be the dominant partner, absorbing around 40.6% of total Albanian exports, although it has decreased in weight since in the same period last year exports with Italy accounted for 43.3% of the total. Kosovo ranks next with 10.5%, while Greece and Germany each hold around 8.5% of exports. Italy and Kosovo hold half of the weight, meanwhile, the share of other countries constitutes around 16% of the total, indicating that exports remain mainly concentrated in several main European and regional markets.
In terms of product structure, exports are mainly based on mineral fuels, which account for about 17% of the total, reflecting the weight of the energy sector in Albanian exports. Among traditional sectors, footwear accounts for about 11.9% of exports, while machinery and electrical equipment account for about 8.3%, indicating the role of the manufacturing and tailoring industry.
A significant share is also occupied by articles of clothing and knitwear with about 5.4%, as well as iron and steel articles with about 3.2%, while other categories such as aluminum, ores and agricultural products make smaller contributions to the total. The group of goods classified as “other” remains the largest in the structure, constituting about 30.5% of exports.
German industry faces stagnation - The conflict in Iran has added new risks
German industry is expected to stagnate at best in 2026, the DUI industry association said, warning that higher energy costs, supply chain risks and domestic......
"Ghost" accidents and uninsured cars - Around 245 million ALL in damages were covered by the Compensation Fund in 2025
There are not so few drivers who do not insure their car or leave the scene of the accident after having an accident while being uninsured. What happens in......
Intercity transport towards reform - Strategy 2030 aims for reorganized lines, fiscal incentives for bus renovation
The government has issued for public consultation the Sectoral Transport Strategy 2030, where one of the most important interventions is related to the......
240 million euros more in the state budget/ 3-month period, record VAT revenue
The state budget has collected approximately 205.1 billion lek in the first three months of the year, about 24 billion lek, or 240 million euros more than......
Hope for the start of US-Iran talks/ Markets react, oil prices fell above $1 on Tuesday
Oil prices fell more than $1 on Tuesday, on expectations that peace talks between the US and Iran will take place this week and lead to more supply from the......
How much are the major currencies being exchanged today?
The US dollar has not registered significant value movements compared to the previous day, as it was bought today at 80.5 lek and sold at 81.7 lek according......
US begins refunding fees for businesses - They will be paid directly to companies that initially paid the fees
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched the first phase of a new claims system that will allow importers to request refunds of tariffs collected......
Japan to sell weapons - The government's historic decision after World War II to lift restrictions
Japan has unveiled its biggest overhaul of defense export rules in decades, lifting restrictions on overseas arms sales and paving the way for exports of......
